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2017 First Round NBA Playoffs Predictions and Previews

Submitted by Sack on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 18:11

Will it be the Clippers or Jazz to jump ahead in their, now tied, series? The Raptors have been slapped by the Bucks, how will they answer? And, do you believe the Trail Blazers have at least one victory in them? Keep reading to get these 2017 NBA Playoffs Predictions and Previews.

2017 First Round NBA Playoffs Predictions and Previews

Game Three Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz

When: Friday, April 21, 2017 – 10:00 PM ET

Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena – Salt Lake City, UT

Spread: Clippers -1.5

Over/Under: 197

Analysis: The Clippers fought back for their loss in Game 1, and it paid off in a 99-91 victory of Game 2. Los Angeles’ star trio of Chris Paul (21 points, 10 assists, and three steals), Blake Griffin (game-high 24 pts.) and DeAndre Jordan (18 pts, 15 rebounds), earned their keep. The series heads to Salt Lake City, Utah’s home court which might be an important factor in the Jazz jumping ahead for the lead. Utah is a methodical team and they can afford to remain patient. And, this is despite missing Rudy Gobert, their main man on the inside. The Jazz can also go tit-for-tat with the Clipp’s shooters; Joe Ingles, Gordon Hayward, and Joe Johnson are all shooting above 40 percent from three point land.

Game Prediction: The Jazz has the home court advantage, but Gobbert’s absence will be felt. The Clippers trio of Paul, Griffin, and Jordan take over and lead Los Angeles to a victory.

Game Four Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks

When: Saturday, April 22, 2017, 3:00 PM ET

Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Spread: TBD

Over/Under: TBD

Analysis: The Raptors were schooled in Game 3. Not only were Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan shutdown, but the Bucks jumped ahead in the series 2-1 and in Milwaukee not the least. The pair of Bucks, Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, finished with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while the team shot an incredible shooting rate of 52.7 percent. Expect the Bucks to follow up using the same limiting defense in this game. Milwaukee’s bench also stepped up, notably Greg Monroe finished with 16 points and seven rebounds in his last game.

Game Prediction: Count on the Bucks to make it clear they’re here to win. Milwaukee will once more kick the Raptors in the nuts and hand them a defeat.

Game Three Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers

When: Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10:30 PM ET

Where: Moda Center – Portland, Oregon

Spread: Golden State -6

Over/Under: 217

Analysis: Even with Durant’s presence shaky through two games, the Warriors are the superior team and have proved it by beating the Blazers by double digits in both games. The duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been more than enough to stuff baskets, but they will need to kick it up a notch in Oregon. Regardless, the Warriors have a great on the road record, going 31-10 while away this year. Both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had tremendous success in most of those away games.

Game Prediction: Though Game 3 won’t be such a landslide victory for the Warriors, they’ll still win. They’ll also cover the 6-point spread if you’re betting ATS.

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